Climate Change is Real – Trams – The way to Net Zero
Climate change is real, and the air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels is becoming increasingly obvious.
For decades we have had a transport policy based on the use of the private car. This “freedom to roam” whilst initially welcomed has had a devasting affect on our urban environment and the health of those living in our towns and cities.
Traffic jams in our towns and cities led to the development of out of town shopping centres which has left many of our town centres derelict.
The problem of tail pipe emissions produced by fossil fuels is well understood.
Much more dangerous are particulates produced by road vehicles which include particles known as PM10 and PM2.5. Up to 90% of these particles come from non-exhaust sources including rubber tyres and tarmac from roads. At least 150,000 deaths due to respiratory diseases per year occur in this country and are estimated to cost the UK around £9.65bn.
Just switching to electric vehicles – buses and cars will not reduce these emissions. Nor does just putting electric buses on roads reduce traffic jams or encourage more people to switch to public transport.
The LRTA believes that the next government if it is to reach net zero and improve air quality must invest in solutions which are 100% Clean and Green.
One of those solutions is the tram. Trams are the ultimate Green Machine:
- No Exhaust or non-exhaust emissions
- Improve air quality
- Use green electricity or hydrogen
- Can transport 200 or more people direct into our towns and cities
- Have a proven record of getting people to switch from their cars to public transport unlike buses
- Support local businesses by helping regenerate our towns and cities
- Trams cost more but have a longer life than a single bus 10 years vs 25 years
- Can be part of a core integrated transport system
- Trams have a proven record of success in Greater Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, South London, Edinburgh and Dublin.
We are calling on Parliamentary Candidates to sign up to our Clean Green Transport Pledge by:
- Agreeing to support a program of up to 5 Light Rail (Tram Schemes) in the next Parliament.
- To support two schemes already in the planning stage – Coventry VLR (Very Light Rail) and West Yorkshire Mass Transit
- To support and press if elected for at least 3 more schemes to receive public funding
- To become a member of the All Party Light Rail Group and to raise and ask questions in Parliament to support these objectives
Details of some of those schemes which we believe could be part of that program can be found further in this section.
Mass Transit West Yorkshire
Coventry VLR
Thames Gateway Tramlink
Bath & Bristol Trams
Glasgow